Press Releases

COLUMBUS— Today, State Senator Kris Jordan (R - Powell) introduced a bill that would prioritize state grants for family planning services in favor of taxpayer funded health centers and other community health centers that offer comprehensive care.

“The General Assembly has the responsibility to not only appropriate funds, but to prioritize their distribution as well,” said Jordan. “This legislation will ensure that family planning dollars are spent in an efficient and ethical manner that prioritizes comprehensive care.”

The legislation creates four tiers of priority for public funding of family planning services. First priority would be given to eligible public entities, including community health clinics operated by state or local governments. Second priority would be given to federally qualified health centers. Third priority would be given to nonpublic entities that provide comprehensive primary and preventative care services, and fourth priority would be given to nonpublic entities that do not provide comprehensive care and preventative services (such as Planned Parenthood, which is the nation’s largest abortion provider).

The legislation is similar to policies implemented in Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee, and it has the support of both Ohio Right to Life and Faith2Action. The legislation is a companion bill to HB 298, which was introduced earlier this week by Representatives Kristina Roegner (R - Hudson) and Cliff Rosenberger (R - Clarksville).

Jordan represents Ohio’s 19th Senate District, which includes Delaware, Knox, Morrow, Richland, and part of Ashland Counties. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served as a State Representative and as a Delaware County Commissioner. He is a proven advocate for spending restraint, lower taxes, and family values. He lives in Powell with his wife, Melissa.

Ohio Senate votes to protect life

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to take up a major pro-life bill - the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3) - on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Ohio Right to Life urges you to contact the office of your representative in the U.S. House, to urge him or her to support H.R. 3 and to oppose all amendments that may be offered by opponents of the bill.

Currently, there is a patchwork of different federal laws that restrict federal funding of abortion. However, many of these restrictions (such as the well-known Hyde Amendment, which applies to the federal Medicaid program) expire every year - which forces the pro-life side to re-fight the same battles in Congress, year after year. Moreover, in a number of federal programs - notably, some major new programs created by the massive Obama health care law in 2010 - federal subsidies for abortion are currently permissible under law. H.R. 3 would replace this leaky patchwork with a permanent, government-wide prohibition on federal funding of abortion and federal subsidies for health plans that cover abortion.

The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act is sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL), the co-chairs of the House Pro-Life Caucus. To see an always-current list of co-sponsors of the bill, CLICK HERE.

(COLUMBUS, OH) - Travis Goettemoeller, a member of Mercer County Right to Life, won the 2011 Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest held on Saturday at Ohio Dominican University. The contest was hosted by the Ohio Dominican Respect Life student group. Travis, a student at Coldwater High School, will compete at the National Pro-Life Oratory Contest to be held in Jacksonville, Florida this June.

"We are proud of all of the participants in this year's oratory contest," stated Erin Cain, Director of External Affairs at Ohio Right to Life. "These students excelled in their presentations and were knowledgeable on current pro-life issues. We are excited to have Travis represent the state of Ohio at the national competition."

Second place went to Rachel del Guidice of Wayne-Holmes Right to Life and third place to Julie Crookston of Right to Life of Portage County.

The eight eligible high school juniors and seniors, each of whom won their local pro-life oratory contest, wrote an original speech on abortion, embryonic stem cell research, infanticide or euthanasia.

"The dignity and sanctity of human life is at the forefront of public debate," said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. "Today's teens are tomorrow's public officials and pro-life leaders. We need to do everything we can to encourage them to establish the skills needed to speak out in a positive way."

(COLUMBUS, OH) - Ohio Right to Life and Americans United for Life joined forces today to advocate for responsible pro-life legislation at the Ohio Statehouse. The pro-life majorities in the 129th Ohio General Assembly allow for meaningful opportunities to protect women and save lives. This reality speaks to the importance of Americans United for Life's partnership and support of Ohio Right to Life as both organizations jointly prepare to propose new pro-life laws.

"On behalf of the Ohio Right to Life Society Board of Trustees, we thank Dr. Charmaine Yoest and the senior staff at Americans United for Life for investing in Ohio's pro-life future," said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director at Ohio Right to Life. "We look forward to utilizing this strategic relationship to continue to save lives - born and unborn."

This new pro-life legislative alliance marks a historic opportunity for Ohio Right to Life to unite with a national public interest law and policy organization in order to magnify the voice for life. Today's announcement sends a firm message to Planned Parenthood of ORTL and AUL's determination to make Ohio a pro-life state.

Beginning today, Americans United for Life will advocate with Ohio Right to Life for current pro-life legislation. We strongly encourage all of our members to contact our office and aid in our efforts to support and advance the pro-life legislative agenda.